There are a number of questions that rise the curiosity of new travelers that aren’t familiar with gorilla trekking or may want to get up-to-date and relevant information about this unique primate experience. Here are some of the frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking and the relatable answers.

  1. WHAT IS GORILLA TREKKING?

Gorilla trekking is an activity that involves individuals hiking and trekking through the forest that are home to a gorilla, in interest to sight these gentle apes in their most natural habitat.

  1. WHAT ARE GORILLAS?

Gorillas are ground-dwelling great apes that are found in the tropical forest of equatorial Africa. These are herbivorous apes that mostly feed on forest produce such as leaves, stems, and shoots. These are the largest living primates, reaching heights of1.8 meters. These are divided into two species; eastern gorillas and western gorillas. These are furthermore divided into four other subspecies.

Gorillas are unique from all other living primates as they carry 99% DNA similar to that of human beings. This is manifested through their human-like living, gestures and more.

  1. WHAT ARE THE GORILLA TREKKING DESTINATIONS?

The western gorilla species are found in central and western Africa. With the eastern gorillas living

in East Africa.

The eastern mountain gorilla sub subspecies are located in East Africa, especially, Uganda, Rwanda, and DR. congo. Uganda holds half of the world’s mountain gorilla population in its gorilla destination. Rwanda as well hosts the mountain gorillas. However, DR. congo hosts the Eastern lowland gorillas in its gorilla destination.

Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga national park are the gorilla destinations of Uganda, in the western region. Volcanoes national park in the northwestern region for Rwanda. And Virunga national park together with Kahuzi Beige national park as gorilla destinations in DR congo.

  1. HOW MUCH IS GORILLA TREKKING?

Depending on the trekking region, gorilla trekking differs in pricing according to their country location. With Rwanda setting the highest price at $1500 for all nationalities. In Uganda, gorilla permits cost $700 for the foreign nonresidents, $600 for the foreign residents, and 250,0000ugx for the East African residents.

DR, congo provides the cheapest gorilla trekking permits at $400 for foreigners and at $200 for the congo citizens.

  1. HOW TO GET A GORILLA TREKKING PERMIT?

For travelers interested in trekking the mountain gorillas from Uganda, gorilla permits can be booked directly from the Uganda wildlife authority or indirectly from the tour agents in the country. From Rwanda, gorilla trekking permits are purchased from the Rwanda development board.

It is advised to book in for a gorilla trekking permit three months prior the visit. Due to the permit shortage that surely occurs during the peak seasons.

  1. HOW LONG IS THE GORILLA TREKKING ACTIVITY?

Gorilla trekking usually begins with a short preparing at the park’s headquarters by the rangers about the do’s and don’ts while trekking the gorillas.

Trekkers are usually led through the forest trails leading to the different gorilla families. The trekking process may about 2 hours, or even for a whole day depending on the location of the families. The different gorilla families can be located at specific places, but for the fact, they are wild animals these move around the forest, which may require some good time to allocate them.

  1. HOW IS GORILLA TREKKING DIFFERENT FROM GORILLA HABITUATION EXPERIENCE?

For gorilla trekking, hikers and given a maximum of one-hour interaction with a met gorilla family. This involves a short time visit to the gorilla families of a particular gorilla destination. However, for gorilla habituation, trekkers are taken through the entire process of how the wild gorillas are made familiar with human presence to enable gorilla trekking.  With this process, four hours are given for the closes encounter with the mountain gorillas.

Gorilla habituation costs a bit higher than gorilla trekking. With their permits costing $1500 for the no foreign residents, $1000 for the foreign resident, and 750,000 for the East African residents.

  1. WHAT IS THE BEST TIME FOR GORILLA TREKKING?

Gorilla trekking is available the whole year in all the gorilla destinations. The best time for this activity would be during the dry seasons of the year. Mountain gorillas are located in higher altitudes. Trekking through the forest trails during the rainy seasons would make this process tedious.  The best months for gorilla trekking are December to February, June to September.

  1. GORILLA TREKKING GUIDELINES

There are a number of guidelines that trekkers are supposed to follow while trekking the gorillas and these include;

  • Maximum number of visitors is eight persons per gorilla group
  • Human waste should be buried 30cm (12) deep
  • Minimum age for tracking gorilla is 15 years#
  • Visitors are not supposed to visit the gorillas with a cold or any kind of infection
  • Visitors are not supposed to use flash photography
  • Visitors are limited to one hour per gorilla group per day
  • Smoking, eating, and drinking are not permitted on the tour
  • Visitors are to maintain a 7m distance from the gorillas
  • Visitors are a too cough away or cover their faces when in counter with the gorillas
  1. WHAT IS THE BEST GORILLA TREKKING GEAR?

Hiking boots

The gorilla trekking activity can take long hours, to even a whole day. The trek takes through the rugged, slippery, and muddy trails that are not easily accessible. Using preferred hiking boots helps to enhance the hiking journey through uneven forest trails.

Clothing gear

Since trekkers move through the forest with different flora, that is composed of thorny, picky, and irritating plants. Good and comfortable clothing gear is recommended. A pair of long trousers and long-sleeved shirts is recommended to keep trekkers protected and comfortable for the entire trekking jungle journey.

A waterproof jacket is as well necessary since the rain forests are located in the tropics and heavy rains can be expected any time of the day.

Insect repellant

The jungle forest where the mountain gorillas are found harbors quite a number of mammals, where insects cannot be resisted. An insect repellent helps to keep the irritating insects from the trekker’s body while hiking

Cameras

Taking of gorilla memories from the trekking experience is one of the important moments for any gorilla safari. Taking pictures and recording videos is one of the essential parts on a gorilla trekking safari.

Energy biscuits and vitamins

These help to boost the energy levels of the trekkers.

BEST GORILLA TREKKING SECTOR

In Uganda, the Buhoma sector of Bwindi impenetrable national park is rated among the best gorilla sectors to visit while in the pearl. This sector was the first sector, open for gorilla trekking with the first-ever gorilla family, Mubare open for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Other sectors as well still pleasant to visit, with quite a number of interesting gorilla families to encounter.

In the volcanoes national park of Rwanda, there is a joint gorilla community without sectors. Visitors get to visit the harbored habituated gorilla families assigned by the park rangers.

Smilingly, there are no gorilla sectors in the gorilla parks of DR. congo. Trekkers get to visit the gorilla families located within a particular region of the park.

CAN DISABLED PEOPLE OPT FOR GORILLA TREKKING?

This is one of the quested asked by many people with disabilities interested in gorilla trekking. The good is, gorilla trekking in available Rwanda and Rwanda. The elderly with less physical energy can opt for the trekking activity with the help of appropriate gear for them.

The use of a sedan chair and bamboo stretcher is used to carry visitors with disabilities, and the elders.  Porters are used to carrying visitors on these materials. This category of people is usually assigned to trek gorilla groups that are nearer and require a shorter time to trek. In Bwindi park, the Ruhija sector is one of the recommended sectors for gorilla trekking with people with disabilities. Its gorilla families are located in the near distance.

IS GORILLA TREKKING SAFE?

Since the gorilla species are located and trekked in the dense and remote forest. Most visitors are cautious about their safety as they hike out the gorillas in a jungle.

For every trekking group, a team of rangers with guns is provided to protect the visitors from any kind of danger from their wild gorillas or any kind of form. There is always a ranger guide in the lead and at back of every trekking group. Trekkers are as well provided with safety guidelines to follow while in the jungle.

ARE GORILLAS DANGEROUS?

Gorillas are wild animals that live in densely forested areas. However, with the help of the habituation process, this helps transform the wild gorillas into apes that a “human friendly” and can adapt to human presence.

The encounter with the gorillas involves a one-hour interaction with these apes, where trekkers can see these apes feeding, resting, wrestling, and other fascinating gorilla sights. This is made possible after the wild gorilla is taken under the habituation process for three years. Where they come out comfortable with having humans around them.

Visitors are as well allowed to take pictures with gorillas though at the distance. There are a number of guidelines put in place to protect both the trekkers and the gorillas.

Trekkers are advised not to make eye contact with the gorilla or imitate their actions. A distance of 7 meters is advised when in the presence of the gorillas. However, with all the guidelines, gorillas are rather peaceful apes unless treated. No wonder gorillas are referred to as “gentle giants”.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ALLOWED TO TREK GORILLAS?

In Uganda, a group of only 8 individuals is allowed to trek a particular group a day. This number limits the number of gorilla permits available for booking.  This limited number of people cuts across the chimpanzee tracking and gorilla habituation process.

The number is limited to prevent congress in the gorilla trekking areas, which may or irritate the mountain gorillas.

WHERE TO STAY AFTER GORILLA TREKKING?

There are a number of accommodation  facilities established near the gorilla national parks. These cut from luxury, midrange to budget, lodges, guests houses, hotels, and resorts. Around Bwindi impenetrable national park, accommodation to opt for includes Bwindi view guest house, ichumbi gorilla lodge, Buhoma lodge, Silverback lodge, Rushaga gorilla haven, Bakiga lodge, Trekkers taven cottages, Rushaga gorilla lodge, Nshongi gorilla camp, Ruhija gorilla mist camp and gift of nature lodge to mention but in few.

Around volcanoes national park, visitors can have an overnight at Le Bambou gorilla lodge, Sabyinyo silverback lodge, mountain gorilla view lodge, Volcanoes Virunga lodge, Bisate lodge, mountain gorilla view among others.

In Virunga national park, accommodation available includes; Virunga hotel campsite, Mikeno lodge, Virunga lodge, Virunga inn resort, Virunga hotel and campsite, Kibumba camp, Lulimba tented camp etc.

IS IT GUARANTEED TO SEE GORILLAS ON?

In the fact, gorilla is wild animals, these usually move from one place to another. Whoever gorilla trekking is guaranteed in the Uganda, Rwanda, and D.R Congo national park, as these are protected wildlife areas.

The presence of the gorillas in these areas is guaranteed, as the gorillas have permanent stay in these areas which assures their presence the whole year.

HOW TO GET TO THE THERE?

Gorilla destinations in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR. congo can be accessed by either a road or air transfer. In Uganda, a road transfer to access Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga national park takes approximately 9 hours to reach the park. Covering a distance of 499.8km to reach Bwindi via a road transfer. 495.9km to reach Mgahinga national park via a road transfer.

Using an air transfer it takes only an hour and 45 minutes from Entebbe international airport to Kihihi air stripe, for visitors accessing the northern side of Bwindi impenetrable national park. For the southern side where Mgahinga national park is located. The air transfer takes about only 1 hour to access the park.

From the Kihihi airstrip, visitors can access other western Uganda national parks.

In Rwanda, a road transfer takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach volcanoes national park. Covering a distance of 105.9km. Visiting mountain gorillas in Rwanda is considered on of the shortest gorilla trekking journies. Compared in Uganda, while on Road Transfer.

Luxury gorilla trekking in Rwanda is one of the splendid safari activities on a Rwanda safari. Trekking  the mountain gorillas, but on a high end, offers an exclusive gorilla experience.

Rwanda is among the only few countries are that are home to the endangered mountain gorilla species. Besides, Uganda and Democratic republic of Congo.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in the only gorilla home of the country; Volcanoes national park. Volcanoes national park is among Rwanda’s few national park, with Akagera national park, Nyungwe forest national park, and newly formed Gishwati Mikura national park.

Volcanoes is the only home to the endangered mountain gorillas, located in the Musanze province in the north west region of Uganda. Gorilla trekking in this park, is a fascinating activity, giving trekkers a chance of close proximity with the gorillas with only a distance of 7 meters.

Rwanda is well known for offering a luxury gorilla experience  more other than the rest of the gorilla destinations in East Africa.  The highly priced gorilla permits of Rwanda, justify gorilla trekking in Rwanda as one of the most luxurious Rwanda safari activities.

Gorilla permits in Rwanda are sold at $1500 for visitors that may want to  engage in the gorilla trekking activity at the park. Other activities to enjoy while at Volcanoes national park include, golden monkey trekking, nature walks, birding watching, golden monkey tracking and mountain hiking.

The gorilla experience in volcanoes national park offers a lifetime primate encounter. The park is home 10 gorilla families that include; Susa gorilla group, Karismbi gorilla group, Agashya gorilla group, Hirwa gorilla group, Umubano gorilla group, Sabyinyo gorilla group, Bwenge gorilla group, and Kwitonda gorilla group.

A luxury gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda is partly dependent on the accommodation and transport services booked on a Rwanda safari.  Choosing  a comfortable luxury accommodation on a Rwanda safari is one way to enjoy luxury gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Luxury accommodations  at volcanoes national park include:

Bisate lodge

The beautifully constructed Bisate lodge, nested in the volcanoes thrushes, is one of the comfortable accommodation spaces to opt ought. It has 6 en suit rooms that accommodate only 12 guest per night.  The rooms are cozily structured with grass as a roof covering and a simple fire place to warm up the interior. Other amenities at the Bisate include

  • Lounge and bar
  • Laundry services
  • Airport transportation
  • 6Free Wi-Fi
  • Free parking
  • Fitness center with gym
  • Restaurant

Sabyinyo silverback lodge

This 5-star luxury lodge is located near the headquarters of volcanoes national park in Kinigi.

Sabyinyo silver back lodge is nested with 8 cottages.

The lodge consists of one family room, 2 ensuites and 6 of the cottages are twin rooms. The rooms are well spacious with a  fireplace in a sitting room.

Amenities at Sabyinyo silverback lodge

  • Gift shop
  • Patio areas (2)
  • Reception
  • Sitting rooms
  • Ensuite bathrooms

Five volcanoes boutique hotel

This is yet another  5-star hotel at volcanoes national park. It is located along the road to the headquarters of the park. It is composed of 13 bedrooms, with one VIP cottage available for the high end guests.

Amenities at Five volcanoes boutique hotel

  • Air conditioning
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Fire place
  • Cold and hot running water
  • Sauna and steam
  • Television set

Besides the luxury accommodation on a  Rwanda safari. The use of luxury vehicles for road transfer to engage in gorilla trekking is another way to enjoy mountain gorillas on luxury teams. Luxury extended land cruisers are the best luxury option on a Gorilla safari in Rwanda.

This far much better than using public or shared group means for transportation to the national park.  A road transfer from Kigali, to Volcanoes national park takes approximately two hours to reach the park.

Rwanda is ranked among the top luxury safari destination not to miss out on  Rwanda gorilla trekking tour , or wildlife tour.

The pearl of Africa, Uganda is among the top gorilla destinations in the world. Holding up  half of the world’s  mountain gorilla population in the primate destinations. The mountain gorillas of Uganda can be enjoyed and explored on a budget consideration, and yet offer memorable experiences. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is one of the sought  of activities by primate lovers. Besides chimpanzee tracking in the famous primate capital of the world’; Kibale national park and other chimpanzee destinations. The gentle giants of Uganda can only be  trek in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga national park.

Bwindi impenetrable national park is the most visited gorilla destination in Uganda.   And this is due to the high gorilla population in the park. The park is divided into four sectors that harbor the mountain gorilla families.  The four sectors of Bwindi impenetrable national park include the Buhoma sector at the northern side of the park, Ruhija on the eastern side, Rushaga, and Nkuringo on the southern side.

These sectors are home to a number of different gorilla families.  The gorilla groups in each  of these sectors is encountered on a Uganda gorilla safari. Visitors get the luxury to choose which sector to trek and which gorilla group to visit. However, depending on the physical fitness of the trekkers, they are advised by the park rangers accordingly.

Bwindi impenetrable national park is located In the western region of Uganda, in Kanungu district. The western region of Uganda is a tourism hub, with a big number of national parks and attractions located in the region.

Mgahinga national park, another gorilla destination in western Uganda, that offers memorable gorilla trekking safaris and experiences. This national park is located in the far south western region of Uganda in the Kisoro district. Unlike Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga national park is home to only one habituation gorilla family, the  Nyakagezi family.

The Nyakagezi gorilla family in Mgahinga is the only available gorilla group for trekking. This family consists of nine members, including Mark, Mathew, Bugingo, Nshuti, Nvukagezi, Baby Rukundo, and Mutagamba.

Gorilla trekking is one of the considered “high end” activities on a Uganda safari. However, budget gorilla trekking safari are as well available in Uganda. To enjoy gorilla trekking on a budget, trekkers are to consider a number of few factors and are as follows.

Opting for group tours.

Joining a travel group and travelling in a group, is one way to enjoy budget gorilla trekking in Uganda.  Group tours are usually costed lower than individual Uganda  tours. Shared group tours involve in the sharing of the major gorilla tour costs among the many numbered travelers. Another advantage,  Visitors travelling in a group are sometimes offered discounts on other affiliated tour services such as transport and accommodation.

Unfortunately, even in the large travel groups, the gorilla trekking permits are not discounted and remain charged $700 for the non-foreign residents, $600 for the foreign residents and 250,000ugx for the Ugandan residents.

Travel in the low season

This may not reduce the price of the trekking permits, but rather the best time to enjoy less traffic in the gorilla destinations.  There are as well lower service rates in the low seasons. These are  from the month of march to June.  These  months have been recorded as low tourism seasons in the pearl. But yet a perfect time for the budget travelers. During these months, there are available discounts on accommodation and transport services that enhance the  gorilla tours. Budget gorilla trekking would be preferable  done during the low seasons, to cut the costs.

Choose transportation with in the means.

Travelers interested in budget gorilla trekking in Uganda, are recommended to opt for low budget transportation means. Use of public means is a one way to enjoy a gorilla safari in Uganda on a budget. The prices are lower compared to private car hire.

Using of shared transportation is another way to save and cut costs for budget safaris. Travelers can use joint vehicles with other travelers.  But this budget option is  not preferred by many, since most visited prefer privacy while touring Uganda.

Furthermore, choosing a cheaper vehicle would enhance budget gorilla trekking in Uganda. The use of a tour van, or coaster other than an extended luxury land cruiser, helps to cut down the gorilla safari costs in Uganda.

Choose a shorter transfer means

Mgahinga national park and Bwindi impenetrable national park are located in the far south western region of Uganda. A road transfer from Kampala, the capital of Uganda to Bwindi takes approximately 8 hours, and to Mgahinga 9 hours. This may be regarded as long travel hours, but instead cheaper that than the air transfers to the destination.

Choose affordable accommodation

Sleepovers and night stays are almost unavoidable while at the gorilla destinations in Uganda. With the fact that the destinations are located on far journeys, travelers are to opt for  sleepovers.  There are a number of affordable accommodation facilities at the park that travelers can choose from. Opting to stay at a budget facility with excellent amenities is a good way to enjoy a budget gorilla tour.

At Bwindi impenetrable national park, each sector is established with a number of budget accommodation options. These include; the Bwindi guest house, Bwindi view bandas, Buhoma lodge, Rushaga gorilla camp, Broadbill camp, and Nshongi gorilla camp.

At Mgahinga national park, budget accommodation to opt for include; Muhabura motel and Amajambere iwacu camp.

Number of days of a tour

Opting for fewer days of a gorilla Uganda safari is another way to enjoy gorilla trekking on a budget. A few days means lesser total costs of the tour. A 3 days Uganda gorilla tour package is one of the famous short gorilla tours, that budget travelers can opt for.

Enjoy budget gorilla trekking in Uganda with Dolphin tours and travel. For the best gorilla packages and prices. Check out our best-selling gorilla safari packages below.

 

3 days Uganda gorilla safari.

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An inquisitive question asked by individuals curious is about the gorilla response to water, and especially to swimming behaviors. Gorillas are gentle apes, standing on a higher rank than other apes. As the largest living primates with a DNA similar to that of Humans up to 98%.

Just as the other primates like chimpanzees, the gorillas have shown resistance to water and any kind of emergent to water bodies.

Despite the chimpanzees being man’s closest cousin, and with gorillas having a similar DNA to humans. These are all not natural swimmers unless trained. No gorilla species has yet been recorded to swim in the water, even when tried. However captive chimpanzees have been seen swimming in water pools, as one of the behaviors they copy from humans.

Gorillas have been recorded standing still and motionless in rain pours, or hide under the near shades from being hit by the raindrops. Water is one instrument used to “fence” the gorillas when in captivity, proving the fear of any water body by the gorillas.

With reference, to their habitats, gorillas are mostly, found in mountain ranges, and forests. But not living around a specific water body. If they do, gorillas could opt for the shallow ends of any water body to avoid drowning, for fact that they cannot swim.

The gentle apes of mountains are ground-dwelling apes, that mostly feed on forest produces, like leaves, shoots, stems, and fruits. This leaves no chance for the gorillas to hunt down in any type of water stream for survival. This justifies why the gorillas cannot swim.